Labor Day parties in L.A.

The scene from a past WET pool party at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.

The scene from a past WET pool party at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. (Sam Gaglani / L.A. Times)

Scott T. Sterling

If this summer's party season was any indication, Labor Day weekend is going to be a scorcher. The annual end of the pool party season will see the return of the Wet party to the Roosevelt Hotel pool (which is free, to boot), the annual White Party at the Skybar, the W Hotel poolside bash, and good DJs spinning all over town.

It's a fitting cap-off to a crazy summer. In the midst of a grinding recession, L.A.'s party people carried on as if there were no tomorrow, packing a relentless succession of new dance clubs that popped up on the scene. From Chris Breed and Sunset Entertainment Group's new aspiring-celebutante hangout, Halo, to the traffic-stopping crowds at the opening night of Elie Samaha's massive Playhouse club on Hollywood Boulevard, the super-club concept is alive and well in L.A.

There was also an influx of intimate new lounges, with Madam Royale, Guys and Dolls and, for cocktail enthusiasts, the Roger Room offering up-close and personal hot spots.

2009 was the summer that saw the Los Angeles dance party scene -- don't call them raves -- grow even bigger than it was during the '90s heyday. The Electric Daisy Carnival was attended by more than 135,000 bodies over two days at the L.A. Coliseum, while the electro-leaning Hard event at the sold-out Forum descended into something of a riot when many of the almost 18,000 in attendance crashed the main floor.

It would be unlikely that all this summer activity would come to a halt just because of a date on the calendar.

In fact, with the American Automobile Assn. predicting that Labor Day travel will be down 13% both in California and across the country this year, there probably will be far more local party people roaming the streets of L.A. in search of an extra-special blowout this weekend. L.A.'s bars and clubs have risen to the occasion:

One of the longest-running club events in Los Angeles, Firecracker has maintained a faithful clientele with an eclectic selection of funk, soul, hip-hop, house and more. Tonight they welcome stalwart L.A. DJ Jun and the Umoja Quintet, a local "hard bop" jazz outfit. 9:30 p.m. 943 N. Broadway, L.A. $5 and ladies free before 11 p.m. For ages 21 and older. (213) 626-2285, www.myspace.com/fckr.

DJ Paul V. is the catalyst behind this raucous mash-up music monthly, pitting the likes of Peggy Lee against Ludacris in the same song. DJ Axel will guest, and there will even be a Lady Gaga impersonator at midnight. 9 p.m. Saturday. 1154 Glendale Blvd., L.A. $5 before 10 p.m., $10 after. For ages 21 and older. Free mash-up CDs for the first 75 people. (213) 413-8200, www.BootieLA.com.

Funky Sole at the Echo

While Bootie LA is raging downstairs, DJs Music Man Miles and Soft Touch will be spinning "raw, funky soul" upstairs. DJ Renato will provide music for the back patio area, re-dubbed "the funk yard." 10 p.m. Saturday. 1822 Sunset Blvd., L.A. Free. For ages 21 and older. (213) 413-8200, www.myspace.com/funkysole.

Culprit versus Minus Showdown at Standard Hotel Downtown rooftop

This hard-core techno face-off is presented by the Droog collective, and features extended hours as well as a slew of DJs, including Magda and Troy Pierce. Kenneth James Gibson will celebrate the release of his new record with a live set. 1 p.m. Sunday. 550 S. Flower St., L.A. For ages 21 and older. (213) 892-8080. RSVP to droog.la@gmail.com for $10 admission before 3 p.m.

Open Air Sundays at Wokcano

It's touted as "the biggest Sunday social party event," with12 full hours of dance music -- from trance and techno to house and electro. 2 p.m. Sunday. 1413 5th St., Santa Monica. Free. For ages 21 and over. (310) 458-3080, www.wokcanocafe.com.

One Night Fling at H.wood

This "pre-Labor Day" party boasts two floors of music, courtesy of DJ Rockwell and David Garcia. The event starts at 9:30 p.m. Sunday. There is an open vodka bar 9:30-10:30 p.m. 1738 N. Orange St., Hollywood. Free before 11 p.m. (323) 871-2262, www.thehwood.com.

Sundae Summer at Snackbar in Space 15 Twenty

Known as a "legendary" party in Philadelphia, this daytime house-music weekly event now comes to L.A. and features resident DJs Lars Behrenroth, Flip and Wayne Lyons. There is also food available from Snackbar. Noon Sunday. 1520 N. Cahuenga, L.A. Free. All ages ("kids are welcome"). www.space15twenty.com.

Wet Pool Party at Roosevelt Hotel

Earlier this decade, the notorious Wet pool parties brought house music-powered decadence to the Roosevelt Hotel, turning bar life into a beach party. After something of a hiatus, Wet returns to the hotel for another daylong dance party. The superstar DJ lineup includes Colette, KCRW host Jason Bentley, Zack Hill and a special sunset tag-team set from Andy Caldwell and Rene Gabriel. Noon Monday. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., L.A. For ages 21 and older. Guaranteed admission when you reserve a table. (323) 769-8887, www.losangeles.going.com/wetpoolparty.

Pool party at W Hotel

Hosted by a clutch of L.A. promoters (including friend to the stars Allison Melnick), this party starts early and puts a swanky spin on the traditional backyard barbecue. With music by DJ Mr. Best. 10 a.m. Monday. 930 Hilgard Ave., L.A. All ages. (310) 208-8765, events@choicehospitalitygroup.com.

The annual White Party at Skybar at the Mondrian

In the tradition of Sean Combs' parties in the Hamptons, this rooftop event requires that guests dress in white. The DJ for the evening will be Joe Greto. 9 p.m. Sunday. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. For ages 21 and older. (323) 650-8999, skybarla@morganshotelgroup.com.